Equipping the student for workplace changes in paramedic education

Abstract

This small scale study explores the relationship between universities curricula, to that of the student experience within their clinical placement. Students attending a UK university which has been delivering paramedic programmes for a number of years took part in the study. A sample of 60 paramedic students were randomly selected and asked to participate. Ethical approval was gained and relevant information and advice disseminated to the participants. A grounded theory approach was used—incorporating a structured questionnaire, allowing for quantifiable data to be retrieved and analysed. In addition, qualitative data was gathered, via the use of ‘free text’ to enrich the study, by allowing participants to expand on their feelings and experiences. Descriptive statistical analysis of the quantitative data revealed that many students felt their clinical competencies and personal confidence were sufficient within the clinical setting. In addition, through qualitative thematic analysis, a number of areas were identified which reflects the student experience of university curricula in relation to clinical practice.